Ranking the Best Sit on Top Kayaks for 2018

Whether it’s body shape, body size, claustrophobia, or just simple preference, sit-on-top kayaks are an easy and convenient alternative to traditional sit-in kayaks. Whether or not you want a traditional kayak or a sit-on-top kayak is a choice that is completely up to you, but the sit-on-top kayaks do offer much more flexibility than their closed in brothers.

Sit-on-top kayaks are also more convenient for people with larger body types or less mobility. Not being closed in is also helpful for fishermen and swimmers, so they can have better access to gear, or just better access to the water. They provide ease of exit and entry, more access to on-board items, and more accessories than you can shake a stick at.

No matter your reason, if you have chosen to get a sit-on-top kayak, the following lists and paragraphs are guaranteed to help you make your decision easier, or at least more well-informed.

These are the top-rated kayaks and can cost anywhere from $600-$3,000. There are a number of cheaper options, as well, including inflatable kayaks, but these five top the lists, and for good reason!

1. Old Town Predator PDL Kayak: Great for Beginners

At the top of the list in comfort and features and the top of the list in price, the Old Town Predator PDL is a beast. The most important feature on this kayak, and the reason for the price, is the pedals.

That’s right! This kayak is self-sustaining with pedals and a rudder. No oars needed if you don’t want them. This kayak is a fisherman’s first choice, with spots for your drink, your tackle, and your pole. The raised seat also allows for easy casting, too. At over 13 feet in length and 117 pounds, the most expensive kayak is also the heaviest.

Pros

Raised seat allows for better casting

Hands free – can be pedal driven

Good amount of storage

Stable and comfortable

Cons

Expensive

Heavy at 117lbs

2. Perception Kayak Pescador Pro

The Perception Pescador Pro is another great fisherman’s kayak. It provides most of what you want from the Old Town, just without the pedals. At ten and a half feet and 57 pounds, it’s also less than half the weight of the Old Town, making it easy to carry and store. The Pescador Pro is also a fisherman’s favorite for all of the attachments available. You can store multiple rods, tackle, and even ties off your catch to the boat while you keep fishing. The comfy seat is not only removable, but has two different positions to provide for optimum comfort and casting. This kayak is clearly the best bang for your buck, especially in its price range.

Pros

17 built-in length settings.

State-of-the-art Dynamic Beard Guide System.

Innovative lithium-ion battery.

Waterproof and easy to clean.

Excellent for heavy stubble removal.

Extremely flexible (Good for short beard or just about any length).

Cons

Becomes noisy after sustained use.

Come with a small removable comb with a 7mm maximum cut.

Heavy and loud.

3. Eddyline C-135 Stratofisher YakAttack Kayak

The Eddyline comes in with a few more features then the Pescador Pro, but with a much higher price point. The C-135 has four hatches for storage and plenty of adjustable bungies to carry whatever you need to take with you. In fact, at 13.5 feet long, space is something that will never be a concern. It’s one of the few non-tandem kayaks you could bring your dog out with you on. The seat is both removable and adjustable, with four different positions. When removed, the Eddyline is actually stable enough to stand in, as well, assuring wide-ranged casters that this is definitely a boat worth the money.

Pros

17 built-in length settings.

State-of-the-art Dynamic Beard Guide System.

Innovative lithium-ion battery.

Waterproof and easy to clean.

Excellent for heavy stubble removal.

Extremely flexible (Good for short beard or just about any length).

Cons

Becomes noisy after sustained use.

Come with a small removable comb with a 7mm maximum cut.

Heavy and loud.

4. Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Angler Kayak

Like the Eddyline, the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 has tons of storage space. Having the amount of hatches and pockets this kayak has, is perfect for fishermen, photographers, or maybe just someone who wants to eat lunch on the lake. While the price is a little higher, the quality and durability are, too. This boat is over 12 feet long but can turn with ease. Whether or not you like the small foot pockets it provides, you’ll still find your seat comfortable, and be able to snap a photo or cast your reel without any trouble at all. The weight of the Tarpon 120 is about average at 63 pounds, making it easy to store and move. An excellent choice for an avid kayaker not afraid to spend a little more money.

Pros

17 built-in length settings.

State-of-the-art Dynamic Beard Guide System.

Innovative lithium-ion battery.

Waterproof and easy to clean.

Excellent for heavy stubble removal.

Extremely flexible (Good for short beard or just about any length).

Cons

Becomes noisy after sustained use.

Come with a small removable comb with a 7mm maximum cut.

Heavy and loud.

5. Riot Kayaks Escape 12 Kayak

At the bottom of this list, but the top of many others is the Riot Kayaks Escape 12. The Escape 12 is classed as an all-around kayak, great for anyone who wants to kayak with quality, but not be over-charged with fishing extras you may not need. The basics for the fisherman are here, too, though, like a dual-density storage compartment, rod holder, and drink holder. This kayak is also unique in that it has its own rudder. Steer while you drift or use it in tandem with your paddle. The seat is customizable for comfort and there’s even more storage behind it with top-rated bungies. Many consider this to be one of the best recreational kayaks, and if you want something that’s more universal instead of specialized, this may be the one for you!

Pros

17 built-in length settings.

State-of-the-art Dynamic Beard Guide System.

Innovative lithium-ion battery.

Waterproof and easy to clean.

Excellent for heavy stubble removal.

Extremely flexible (Good for short beard or just about any length).

Cons

Becomes noisy after sustained use.

Come with a small removable comb with a 7mm maximum cut.

Heavy and loud.

Definition of a Sit on Top Kayak

A “sit on top kayak” is a self-emptying kayak called “sit on top kayak”: “sit on top” means “sitting on top”. A sit-on kayak can be a recreational kayak, a fishing kayak, a dive kayak, even a kayak, a sea kayak.

The “open cockpit kayak” allows the kayaker to easily and easily get out of the kayak, from the beach, pier or from the water.

You can paddle without feeling trapped: In a “sit on top kayak” you can enjoy all the beauty that kayaking proposes, without having learned the difficult maneuvers of a self-rescue, like the esquimotaje, since you will not need. In case you fall into the water, it is much easier to climb a sit on top kayak than a conventional kayak. It is a kayak for all ages.

Compared to a sea kayak, a “sit on top kayak” is shorter and wider, and consequently slower. However a “sit on top kayak” is relatively maneuverable. But they can not compete, for example, with whitewater kayaks.

The “sit on top kayak” is usually made of rotomolded plastic (Polyethylene), although there are also kayaks sit on top of fiberglass.

The helmet of the Islander kayak model, for example, is composed of air chambers, so the kayak can not sink. Even if you break the hull by a blow, it will only flood the compartment that breaks.

So Which Kayak Is Right for You?

Now that you know about the top kayaks out there, which sit-on-top kayak is right for you? In order to really figure that out, you have to identify which features you’re more drawn to and, more importantly, what will you primarily be using it for. Once you nail down what you really want, you can match that up with your budget and come up with a plan to buy the perfect sit-on-top kayak for your needs.